The appointment of Lee Keun-bae as the president of CNU was approved at a cabinet meeting on February 25, and he officially started his duties on February 26. 

CNU announced that President Lee commenced his official duties with the “73rd CNU Spring Graduation Ceremony,” which was held at 10 AM on February 26.

President Lee's term runs for four years, from February 26, 2025, to February 25, 2029.

Lee earned his Bachelor’s (1991), Master’s (1995), and Doctorate (2000) in Medicine from CNU’s School of Medicine. As a world-renowned expert in orthopedics, he was elected as a full member of the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences in 2023. He was also selected as one of EBS’s “Famous Doctors” in 2015 for his expertise in the field of foot and ankle joints, and he has conducted active research and clinical work. Additionally, he has received multiple academic awards, including the Academic Award from the Korean Orthopedic Association.

Lee has played a key role in shaping higher education policy and improvements, serving as the first elected chair of the Faculty Council and Chair of the Board of Trustees at CNU (2017–2019). He has held major positions, including president of the Association of National University Faculty in Honam and Jeju (2018–2019), director of the CNU Hospital Institute of Biomedical Research (2015–2017), and president of the Korean Fracture Society, the Korean Foot and Ankle Society, and the Korean Orthopedic Sports Medicine Society (2021–2022). Through these roles, he has made significant contributions to academic development and the improvement of medical research environments.

President Lee stated, “I will dedicate myself to transforming CNU into a globally recognized, research-driven university. Through educational and research innovation, I will contribute to the development of the local community and the nation, and create a university where students, faculty, and the community grow together.”